Icy Highness | Yuzuru Hanyu

54.

Yuzuru skated like a true warrior, fighting until the very end with inhuman strength.

She watched him conquer what he wanted so much with the most determined look on his face.

Even with a clear struggle on some of the landings, Yuzu was once again able to successfully face the challenge that he imposed on himself and grasp the win.

At least she was pretty much sure he had just won, even if no scores were out.

His face of triumph told her that he thought the same.

Yuzuru grasped his ankle as he screamed something that she didn't understand and raised his finger in the air in victory.

The pride that consumed Athena at that moment was indescribable, only a handful of people knew what he was struggling with, the extent of his injuries, and even the struggles to keep himself positive and willing to win. She had been one of those, even if in secret and hiding away from all of her family, she had been there in the last couple of months to support him as she could.

Truth be told, all she wanted was to hug him now, show that he was hers to the world, but that would be too much. Yuzuru deserved his own shine today.

Still, seeing him so casually and happily hugging his coaches made her want to be in their place more than anything. It wasn't easy to keep on the sidelines at that moment.

Athena was willing to give up on everything, her title, her money, anything if she could have him in public as she wanted to at that moment. It wasn't about jealousy, but rather pride. Knowing that this man somehow liked her was a true achievement, no matter how ridiculous it was.

Watching him celebrate his win from the distance had this bittersweet effect. She was very happy that he made it, but the short distance made it all almost unbearable to see.

In her mind, only the thoughts that she would be able to share a little bit of that happiness later made it all slightly better.

All of it aside, she hadn't quite planned their reunion. Getting to Korea was the first plan and the second was getting to Pyeongchang and the venue. It was almost hilarious that she didn't think of anything after that.

Athena had no idea how to approach him now while every single camera was on him. She certainly couldn't just go there and hug him.

She had to do it somehow because she had no hotel room in here and was hoping he wouldn't mind kindly sharing a bed with her,

It was at times like these that Athena wished she had his mother's number. Yumi would've helped her without any questions.

Well, maybe some questions, because the princess wasn't quite sure how much the older woman knew. The one thing that Athena was convinced that Yumi didn't know was who Athena was, and it was probably best to keep it that way for now.

Giving up on most of the silly ideas that came to her mind, the princess eventually gave up and texted him.

'Congratulations, my champion. You have no idea how proud I am of you.'

She saw how many people were around him, so Athena didn't expect a quick answer, but from the distance, she saw him take what looked like his phone and discretely type with a smile.

'I told you I would win if you watched.' 

'And you did! What are the plans to celebrate tonight?'

'Depends if you're joining the celebration'

Athena could have sworn she saw a smirk on his face as he texted that, even from the distance.

'I might...' Maybe it was the cheekiness of the conversation that ended up giving her the idea, but it was still brilliant no matter where it came from. 'So... I have something for you, where can I send it to?'

'You don't need to give me anything.'

'It's already settled, I just need the hotel name and door number. Let me give you a gift for being so incredible today.'

'The only gift I need is you.'

Athena smirked at that but was satisfied to see that he sent her exactly what she needed to surprise him later.

'I think you will like the surprise.'

'There's no way I couldn't like it.'

'Just let me know once you're in the room to receive it and I'll settle everything.'

'And we can call, right?'

She doubted he would want to call if she was by his side and it only made her chuckle while thinking about it.

'Sure, love. We can do whatever you want.'

It would take some time, but now Athena had a way to meet with him without causing too much trouble to either of them.

For now, instead of his warmth, she had to settle with watching him smile around with Javier, the coaches, and the other Japanese skater that she knew was Shoma.

The victory ceremony was just as beautiful as expected, with Yuzuru bringing out his sensitive but cute side as he gently cried for what looked like the millionth time that day.

For someone who can do all of those crazy jumps, he almost looked like a baby when he was out of the ice.

Well, he was her baby and she didn't care.

Athena left the venue after that, not interested at all in the other competitions or events taking place without him.

Right now, the only thing left to do was wait. Wait for him to be done with those interviews he loathed, the photographs, and everything else that being an Olympic Champion entailed.

The cold afternoon of Pyeongchang greeted her once she stepped outside and went into the streets, exploring the Olympic Village and even asking for someone to take her picture in the Olympic rings. Maybe it was risking too much given that she was supposed to be invisible, but the princess doubted that anyone would be able to recognize her in the middle of so many people.

Part of her almost wanted to tease him and send him the photo to mess with him, but her plans to surprise him were more enticing than playing funny at that time.

Hours passed as she traveled along the streets completely free of bodyguards or other concerns. It was certainly freeing now that she thought about it. All of this almost made Athena wonder what life would be like if she was someone else.

Well, you wouldn't have met him.

And as if on cue, the man that occupied all of her thoughts texted her.

'I just got to the hotel.'